4 Cubs who are playing their way out of the team's 2026 plans

With the end of the season approaching, the Chicago Cubs' front office will certainly have an eye on the team's success in the playoffs, but Jed Hoyer and company have likely begun to map out their strategy for the 2026 season.

It will be interesting to see what the approach is for the 2026 season. Most of the Cubs' core will be entering the final year of their contract, and there is a looming work stoppage for Major League Baseball ahead of the 2027 season. Those two factors will certainly come into play with the decisions the Cubs' front office has to make this offseason.

There are some current Cubs players, however, that are making it easier to plan out the 2026 roster. In other words, for those players, they are playing their way out of the team's plans.

Willi Castro, utility IF/OF

When the Cubs traded for Willi Castro at the MLB trade deadline, there was some belief that the team could look to bring back Castro for the 2026 season to be a part of the team's bench. Considering the struggles that Castro has had since joining the Cubs, it's fair to assume that the Cubs may not make re-signing him a priority for the offseason.

Miguel Amaya, C

To Miguel Amaya's credit, when he was on the field in 2025, he made a strong case that he is capable of being the long-term answer for the Cubs at catcher. However, Amaya's biggest liability is availability. With Carson Kelly under contract for 2026 and Moises Ballesteros ready for an extended run at the Major League level, Amaya could be a surprise trade candidate this offseason.

Jordan Wicks, LHP

With the Cubs constantly overlooking Jordan Wicks this season when they have had a pitching need at the Major League level, it feels like the former first-round pick has fallen out of favor with the organization. There was some surprise that he wasn't traded at the deadline, but that likely will change this winter.

Seiya Suzuki, OF

A creative trade seems to be the likely path the Cubs will take this offseason to improve their roster. It shouldn't be a complete surprise if Seiya Suzuki is included in such a trade. Suzuki's second half has suddenly reshaped the conversation of his 2025 season, and in the final year of his contract, the Cubs may be open to moving on from the veteran outfielder.

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